After travelling to over 35 countries, I have made just about every packing mistake in the book. Overpacked, under packed, packed the wrong shoes, bought new clothes that never left the suitcase, you name it. But over the years, I have figured out what actually works when it comes to packing for overseas travel.
Whether you’re heading off on your first international adventure or have a few stamps in your passport, this guide is for you. These tips are practical, tested, and designed for real travellers, not influencers packing five outfits for a two-day trip.
In this post, I am sharing 10 packing tips for overseas travel that will save you stress, space, and sore shoulders. From choosing the right luggage to making sure you have the essentials in your carry-on, these are the strategies I swear by every time I travel.
One of the most overlooked but critical decisions when packing is choosing the right type of luggage, and no, one size doesn’t fit all. The style of your trip should guide what you pack and what you pack with.
If your itinerary involves trains, cobblestone streets, or lots of hotel changes, consider a backpack or duffel bag. They are easier to carry, easier to lift, and don’t get stuck in uneven pavements. On the other hand, for road trips or trips where your suitcase is only being wheeled from the taxi to the hotel room, a hard-shell suitcase might be perfectly fine.
And here’s a real-world example: Dubrovnik has now banned wheeled suitcases in its Old City, and yes, banned, due to the noise they make on the cobblestones. So, if you’re dragging your roller bag through town, you might end up carrying it or facing a fine.
Bottom line? Let your trip dictate your luggage, not the other way around.
This one comes straight from experience, and a near heart-stopping moment in Vietnam. We were waiting at the baggage carousel in Ho Chi Minh City, watching bag after bag go by, but not ours. As the carousel slowed to a stop, we started to panic. What if both of our backpacks were lost?
Thankfully, our bags did arrive, the very last two to come out. But that was enough to teach us a valuable lesson: always pack using the Half and Half Rule.
The idea is simple. If you’re travelling with a spouse or close friend, divide your clothes between your bags. Half of your clothes go into their suitcase, and half of theirs go into yours. That way, if one bag goes missing, you still have something to wear.
We don’t just toss random items over, either. We sort our clothes into categories – shirts, pants, underwear, socks – and split each category in half. In my case, Darren ends up travelling with my knickers and bras in his suitcase. One day, I am sure security will check his bag, and that conversation will be hilarious.
When both bags arrive safely, it is easy to swap everything back at the hotel. We use packing cells, so it is just a matter of switching them between bags.
It might sound like overkill, until the day a bag gets lost. That’s the day you will wish you had packed Half and Half.
It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need a whole new wardrobe for every trip. But unless you’re going somewhere truly extreme – like chasing the Northern Lights in the middle of a Scandinavian winter or hiking the Inca Trail (both of which we have done) – chances are, what you already own is perfectly fine.
Packing familiar clothes can make your trip more enjoyable. You know how they fit, you know they’re comfortable, and you are not going to discover halfway through a walking tour that those brand-new shoes are giving you blisters.
We have learned that we do not need to follow fashion trends when we travel. We are happy to pack what works – comfortable, practical clothes that suit the climate and the activities we have planned.
Plus, new clothes often come with new problems. Unworn items tend to wrinkle more, fit differently, or simply not work in real-life travel scenarios. Save your money (and your suitcase space) and stick with your go-to favourites unless your destination demands otherwise.
Packing cubes are one of those travel tools you don’t think you need until you use them. Then you wonder how you ever travelled without them.
We use packing cubes to separate our clothes into categories: shirts in one, pants in another, underwear in a third, and so on. This makes it incredibly easy to unpack and repack, especially if you are moving hotels every few days or living out of your suitcase.
To keep things even more organised, Darren and I colour-code our packing cubes; mine are pink, his are blue. It stops the “whose shirt is this?” game and helps us stay streamlined, especially when we are using the Half and Half Rule.
We also travel with a separate laundry bag each. Once clothes have been worn, they go straight into the laundry bag, not back into a packing cube. That way, nothing dirty gets mixed up with the clean clothes, and repacking for the trip home is a breeze.
Packing cubes and a good laundry system are a small investment that make a big difference, especially when you value efficiency and order over chaos in your suitcase.
Tip: If your luggage is damaged in transit, packing cubes keep all of your items together. There is nothing worse than seeing a suitcase come out on the conveyor belt with clothes spilling out of it.
It doesn’t matter whether your flight is two hours or twenty, your carry-on should always include the essentials. Why? Because bags go missing, flights get delayed, and sometimes the only luggage you have for the first 48 hours of your trip is what you brought onto the plane.
We always pack:
You can read more on this in my post on travelling with medication, but the short version is: never pack medication in your checked bag. Always keep it with you.
And if you’re not already using one, a slim, zippered pouch for your passport, boarding pass, vaccination certificates, and travel insurance details can be a game-changer. No rummaging at security or immigration, everything is where you need it, when you need it.
One final tip: if your flight includes a long layover, think ahead. Pack things like face wipes, a clean top, or anything else that will help you feel human until you reach your hotel. And if you do have a long layover, consider paying for an airport lounge. You can find more details in my post Is an Airport Lounge Worth the Cost During a Layover?.
One of the smartest ways to pack for international travel is to stop thinking in terms of outfits and start thinking in layers. Layering gives you flexibility – it helps you adapt to changing weather, unexpected events, and even cultural norms.
Instead of packing five complete outfits, pack a few base pieces that can be mixed and matched. T-shirts, light jumpers, a rain jacket, and maybe a fleece or vest can be layered in different combinations to suit most climates. This is especially handy if your itinerary includes cities with varied weather, or days that start cool and end hot.
You can read more about how we approach this in my full guide to layering clothes for cold weather, but the principle applies in most climates: layering is lighter, smarter, and easier to pack.
Bonus? Fewer items mean more room in your suitcase, or space for souvenirs on the way home.
Even experienced travellers (even us) fall into the same traps now and then. Here are a few travel packing mistakes to avoid, especially if you want to make your next overseas trip smoother:
Avoiding these small mistakes can make a big difference, especially when you are tired, navigating airports, or trying to repack at your hotel.
Shoes can make or break your trip, literally. If your feet are sore, everything feels harder. That scenic walking tour? Suddenly, a chore. That cobbled old town? A nightmare.
We keep it simple: pack fewer shoes, but better ones. For most trips, one solid pair of walking shoes and one lighter option (like sandals or flats) is plenty. Unless your trip includes a specific event, like a wedding or hiking, you probably don’t need more.
And here’s the key: don’t bring brand-new shoes. Break them in well before your trip. Wear them on long walks at home. Test them with the socks you plan to travel with. Nothing ruins a trip faster than blisters and sore feet.
It’s one of those packing decisions that might seem small but pays off every single day of your trip, especially when you are walking 15,000 steps or more a day without even trying.
If you want to pack lighter without sacrificing comfort, planning how you will handle laundry is key, especially on longer trips.
We always travel with a dedicated laundry bag. Once something is worn, it goes straight into the bag, without mixing it back into the packing cubes with clean clothes. This keeps everything organised and avoids that awkward moment when you sniff a shirt, trying to remember if it has been worn.
Depending on the trip, we use a few different laundry options:
We also pack a small amount of soap sheets, just enough to get us through a few washes if needed.
With a little bit of planning, you can pack fewer clothes, stay fresh, and avoid hauling around a suitcase that weighs a ton.
When you’re travelling internationally, keeping your essentials easy to access is more than just a convenience; it’s a necessity.
We always keep our tech gear and travel documents in a specific spot so we are not rummaging through our bags at airport security or customs. That includes:
We use a slim organiser pouch to keep our documents tidy and a tech organiser to keep all our tech gear in one place, easy to grab, whether you are at the check-in desk or boarding gate.
Tech can also be a lifeline when plans change; having quick access to flight apps, hotel bookings, or translation tools can make unexpected hiccups a lot easier to manage.
Packing for international travel doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional. After travelling to over 35 countries, we have learned that it’s not about having the trendiest travel gear or the perfect outfit for every occasion. It is about making smart choices that keep your trip stress-free and enjoyable.
From using the Half and Half Rule to choosing luggage that suits your destination, these tips are what we actually use, and they work. So, before your next overseas adventure, take a few minutes to review your packing strategy. A little preparation goes a long way.
What should I pack in my carry-on for an international flight?
At a minimum, pack a change of clothes, essential toiletries, medication, travel documents, a phone charger, and a power bank. These items will help you get through unexpected delays or lost luggage situations.
How many pairs of shoes should I bring for overseas travel?
Stick to one pair of comfortable walking shoes and one additional pair (like sandals or flats) unless you need shoes for specific events such as hiking or a wedding. More than two pairs usually add bulk without adding value.
Is it better to use a suitcase or a backpack when travelling internationally?
It depends on your itinerary. For road trips or city stays, a suitcase is fine. But if your trip involves stairs, trains, or cobblestone streets, a backpack or duffel may be more practical. For example, wheeled luggage is banned in Dubrovnik’s Old City.
What is the Half and Half Rule for packing?
If you are travelling with a partner or friend, each of you should pack half of your clothes in the other’s bag. That way, if one bag gets lost, you both still have essentials until it’s recovered.
Are packing cubes really worth it?
Yes, they help keep your clothes organised, make unpacking easier, and are perfect for staying tidy when moving between multiple hotels.
Hi, I’m Lisa Bundesen - the voice behind The Middle Age Wanderer. I’m a retired chartered accountant turned passionate traveller and photographer. Alongside my husband Darren (and with our two fur babies waiting at home in Australia), we explore the world one adventure at a time.
I’ve travelled to over 35 countries, and I created this blog to inspire fellow travellers in their 50s, 60s, and beyond to embrace adventure. Whether it’s hiking ancient trails, diving into new cultures, or sipping wine in scenic places, I believe life after 50 is the perfect time to explore more.
Here, you’ll find honest travel advice, destination guides, and real stories to help you travel smarter and with more confidence - because age is not a barrier, it’s an invitation.
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Hi, I’m Lisa, a 50+ retired chartered accountant. My husband, Darren, and I explore the world every opportunity we get. Staying fit is key to our adventures, from hiking the Inca Trail to scuba diving. We call Australia home but travel overseas often, always eager to discover new cultures, bustling cities, cuisines, nature and wildlife.
We would love you to join us on our journeys and hope that our adventures give you encouragement to explore this amazing world.
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